10 years

[Redheart]

Hello. I am 10 years post op. At age 19 I got saline implants under the muscle. I have never had any complications. They have been fantastic. I am so happy that I had them done.

But now I am wondering about long-term care. Is there a reason to replace them just because it's been 10 years? Or do I don't have to have them replaced? Anyone else that have had them for 10 years+?

Any thoughts would be helpful, thanks.

[tammyp]

i am no dr, but if there are no problems, why mess with it.

[s2h]

My wife has implants....she was telling me that she would need to get em replaced at a certain amount of yrs...like a tire..

[fit-n-mini]

i'm at the 7 year mark but i'm sure when the 10 year mark hits, if i'm not experiencing any problems then i'll hold off a bit longer.

[sassy69]

i'm at the 7 year mark but i'm sure when the 10 year mark hits, if i'm not experiencing any problems then i'll hold off a bit longer.

I had mine redone at the 12 yr mark, only because I wanted to go w/ silicon instead of saline, and went a little bigger as it seemed like the saline were starting to fall out the sides. No functional issues w/ the originals at all.

[The Prodigy]

I think this is a question you have to ask yourself! Do you still like the way they look? Do you want to go bigger or smaller? Are you having any problems with them?

If no..wait
If yes...get them re-done!

[Curt James]

Google offers up this history of implants.

Reconstruction Options

If a woman has a mastectomy, she must also decide whether to undergo reconstruction and what kind of reconstruction, and her decision about mastectomy may be influenced by her views on the safety of reconstruction. Therefore, accurate, unbiased information regarding reconstruction is essential even before a woman decides to have a mastectomy.

The first breast implants were developed in the early 1960s for augmentation, not reconstruction. Halsted opposed reconstruction, and radical mastectomies left little tissue for it. With the increased popularity of modified radical mastectomies and simple mastectomies, however, plastic surgeons began to recommend the use of implants, urging that breast cancer patients had the "right" to replace breasts lost to cancer. (snip)

In summary, more long-term safety data are needed on reconstruction options, better research is needed on the efficacy of prophylactic mastectomy, and many physicians need better access to the most accurate, unbiased information already available on breast cancer surgical outcomes. In addition, research is needed to better understand why the rate for breast-conserving surgery is so low, and what programs and policies would be most effective in ensuring that breast cancer patients receive objective information in ways that enable them to make the best possible medical and surgical choices. The bottom line is that many patients do not have the information they need to make informed choices, and patient advocates and policy makers need to support objective research and develop new strategies to ensure better informed consent for breast cancer patients.

More @ http://www.breastimplantinfo.org/recon/infmconsent.html

[Curt James]

What's the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?

Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in material and consistency, however.

Saline breast implants. Saline implants are filled with saline, usually at the time of surgery. Saline implants have been criticized for feeling hard or unnatural, but improved surgical techniques — such as placing the implant behind the chest muscle and slightly overfilling it — have lessened these complaints. Saline breast implants are available to women age 18 and older for breast augmentation, or women of any age for breast reconstruction.

Silicone breast implants. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel — a thick, sticky fluid that closely mimics the feel of human fat. Some women feel that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants are available to women age 22 and older for breast augmentation, or women of any age for breast reconstruction.

What are the risks of breast implants?

Saline and silicone breast implants pose similar risks, including:

• Breast pain
• Potentially permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Infection
• Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Need for additional breast surgery

What happens if an implant ruptures?

If a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will deflate — causing the affected breast to change in size and shape. The leaking saline solution will be absorbed by your body without posing any health risks, but you'll probably need surgery to remove the silicone shell. A new implant can likely be inserted at the same time.

More @ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bre...plants/WO00052

[sassy69]

I think this is a question you have to ask yourself! Do you still like the way they look? Do you want to go bigger or smaller? Are you having any problems with them?

If no..wait
If yes...get them re-done!

Just like getting them in the first place, have reasonable expectations (not like new boobs are going to change your life and fix everythign that is "wrong" with you), and be intelligent about it. Consult a couple different doctors, do your research, etc. Don't put yourself in financial destitution to get them done.